Addiction

Behavioural Addiction

Most people think of substance use when they hear about addiction, but that’s not the only type of addiction. Individuals can form behavioural addictions similar to a dependence on substance and alcohol to manage anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Some of the most common types of behavioural addictions are:

  • Sex
  • Gambling
  • Internet
  • Shopping
  • Video games
  • Plastic surgery
  • Binge eating/food addiction
  • Thrill-seeking activities

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Previously known as Drug Addition, Substance Use Disorder involves patterns of symptoms caused by using a substance that an individual continues taking despite its negative effects.  It is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behaviour and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. 

Some of the more common addictive substances include:

  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine (chemical found in the tobacco plant)
  • Opioids, including heroin as well as prescription pain medication like oxycodone and morphine (drugs used to treat pain)
  • Amphetamines, Methamphetamine (stimulants)
  • Cocaine, marijuana